Best English Summer Schools 2026

Best English Summer Schools 2026

Our guide to the top English language summer experiences in the prestigious universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Learn English and get ahead this summer!

Welcome to our guide to some of the very best summer English courses in Oxford, Cambridge and London! You’ll not only learn the ins and outs of English grammar, extend your vocabulary and practise real-life conversational English with native speakers, you’ll also learn to understand this complex language’s myriad slang, sayings, accents and contradictions from the inside. And what’s more, you’ll be completely immersed in English culture with the opportunity to visit world-famous British tourist attractions.

Top English Programs 2026

Our site features some of the very best English programs with top summer school providers, taking place in Oxford, Cambridge, London and other prestigious settings.

World Leading Oxford Summer Schools for Teens summer school World Leading Oxford Summer Schools for Teens logo Cambridge • London • New York • Oxford • Yale
From £6,995 Ages 12-18 Summer 2026

Experience Oxford Royale's summer programmes on campus at world leading universities, offering students a chance to dive into prestigious academic and cultural enrichment.

English Immersion at Prestigious UK Institutions summer school English Immersion at Prestigious UK Institutions logo Brighton • London • Oxford
From £1,560 - £2,310 (pw) Ages 10-18 Summer 2026

The English summer program by Bucksmore offers intensive English language learning at top UK universities for students aged 10-18.

Fun Summer English Courses for Juniors summer school Fun Summer English Courses for Juniors logo Oxford
From £3,195 - £4,425 Ages 9-15 Summer 2026

The summer juniors program offers English language learning and leadership development for 9-15 year-olds, combining academic enrichment with cultural excursions in Oxford.

Wycombe Abbey Summer School with UKLC summer school Wycombe Abbey Summer School with UKLC logo London
From From £4,000 Ages 12-17 Summer 2026

An immersive international programme combining exceptional English language tuition with a broad range of exciting electives and premium excursions, hosted at the prestigious Wycombe Abbey School.

Find the Best Experience for You

Our guide features the very best English summer programs taking place in exciting locations including Oxford, Cambridge and London. Where will you choose for your English summer program this summer 2026?

Vintage bicycle with basket on its handlebars parked beside a large medieval door in Oxford, part of the University of Oxford and an Oxford summer schools host venue
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English Summer School in Oxford

Where better to learn English than in the magical city of Oxford? The university can trace its history back to the 11th century and the city is a beautiful, living museum. In Oxford, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to medieval England – with a modern twist!
Browse Oxford

Several wooden punting boats moored on the River Cam in Cambridge near the University of Cambridge, a Cambridge summer schools host venue
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English Summer School in Cambridge

Cambridge is the England of your dreams: beautiful and historic buildings, winding cobbled lanes and a tranquil river surrounded by gardens and fields that feel as if you’re in the postcard-perfect English countryside rather than in the middle of a charming city!
Browse Cambridge

A University College London (UCL) campus building - also a London summer schools host venue
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English Summer School in London

Learn English in the vibrant and history-laden city of London and enjoy the best of British culture whilst feeling at home in its multicultural melting pot of borrowed cultures. Enjoy its unique art, culture and cuisine as you learn real-life modern English!
Browse London

A female student departing for a Summer School
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Browse All Destinations

Interested in studying English in other wonderful study destinations in Europe, the USA and worldwide?
Browse All

Find A Course

Lady Margaret Hall
Global Perspectives on Public Health: A Survey of Core Concepts and Applied Practice

While clinical medicine deals with the health of the individual, public health is concerned with the health of the population.…

Lady Margaret Hall
Computational Psychology and Artificial Intelligence

How does the brain process information, make decisions, and learn? Computational Psychologists seek to answer these questions by using algorithms…

Lady Margaret Hall
Jane Austen: Literature and Legacy

A moderately successful author in her own lifetime, Jane Austen has since become a global phenomenon: her writings are now…

Lady Margaret Hall
Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Natural Language Processing

Through predictive text, translation tools, and smart devices natural language processing (NLP) is increasingly a part of our day-to-day lives,…

Lady Margaret Hall
Architecture, Heritage, and Urban Planning

How can we see cities and their buildings as a means of understanding history and society? In this course you…

Summer Boarding Courses
University Preparation at Earlscliffe

University Preparation at Earlscliffe is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in higher…

Summer Boarding Courses
Business: Mini-MBA™ at Earlscliffe

The Mini-MBA introduces you to the fundamentals of business, from entrepreneurship and marketing to finance and strategy. This programme is…

Summer Boarding Courses
Global Leadership at Earlscliffe

The Faculty of Global Leadership prepares you to navigate the complexities of international relations, diplomacy, and governance. This programme is…

Oxford Science Studies
A-Level & IB Revision Courses in Oxford

OXSS offers tailored academic support for IB, and A Level students. With small group classes, expert tutors, and flexible scheduling,…

Bucksmore Education
Pre-University Preparation Global Finance and Economics

This programme prepares students to excel in their chosen subjects within the highly competitive higher education environment. Students choose one…

Sapphire Education
Psychology, Marketing & Leadership

Explore what drives human behaviour and how it shapes the world around us. This course invites students to delve into…

Oxford Summer Courses
Economics (13-15 years old)

The Economics summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 13-15 years old students, provides seminars and small group learning…

Oxbridge Academic Programs
Politics (The Oxford Summer Seminar)

What goals and methodologies, if any, do politicians around the world share? To what extent are politicians able to change…

ISSOS
Tennis (Elective)

The ISSOS Tennis summer programme offers students of all abilities the opportunity to spend 3 weeks learning from LTA accredited…

Immerse Education
Medicine in Cambridge for Ages 16-18

Deepen your medical knowledge in Cambridge, a city renowned for its contributions to healthcare and biomedical science.

ISSFT
Global Leadership (Politics, Philosophy & Economics)

Explore how the world works through the lens of politics, philosophy, and economics. This thought-provoking course helps students develop critical…

Summer Boarding Courses
Future Doctor at Headington Oxford

Future Doctors is a two-week programme for students who want to take their first steps into medicine. You’ll study how…

Oxford Scholastica Academy
Experience Medicine Academy

Curious to explore the field of medicine and see what it’s like to be a doctor? This course is designed…

Summer Boarding Courses
Young Explorers at Camp Dragon

Take off on an exciting adventure where 8–12-year-olds looking for a special and memorable experience can combine education with adventure!…

Sapphire Education
STEM Pioneers

This course invites younger students to explore the exciting world of STEM through hands-on challenges, creative problem-solving, and teamwork. From…

More Details: English Summer Schools

A broad selection of programmes is available, varying in depth, workload and course design across providers.

Academic Focus and Teaching

English summer schools typically emphasize a dynamic approach to language acquisition, integrating conversational practice with writing skills and literary analysis. Unlike the more rigid framework found in regular school curricula, these programmes often prioritize experiential learning and cultural engagement. Students dive into diverse themes, from contemporary issues to classic literature, fostering critical thinking and creativity. The academic value lies not only in language proficiency but also in the development of analytical skills, enabling students to articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively.

Programme Structure and Student Experience

A typical day in an English summer school is characterized by a balanced rhythm of structured lessons and independent study. Classrooms foster an interactive atmosphere, encouraging collaboration and peer discussions. While teachers guide students through the curriculum, there is ample opportunity for learners to engage in project work that reinforces their language skills. The overall experience is designed to be immersive, blending formal education with activities that stimulate curiosity and promote practical language use.

Student Age Groups and Eligibility

English summer schools cater to a broad audience, welcoming students from various backgrounds and proficiency levels. While specific age groups may vary, the programmes are designed to accommodate learners who are eager to enhance their language skills in a supportive environment. Expectations include a willingness to participate actively in discussions and an openness to new ideas, which enrich the collective learning experience.

What Makes English Summer Schools Unique

The uniqueness of English summer schools lies in their intensive, focused approach to language learning. Unlike traditional educational settings, these programmes often condense extensive material into shorter timeframes, allowing for an accelerated learning curve. They provide an environment where language is not just studied but experienced, with an emphasis on real-life application and cultural context. This blend of academic rigor and immersive experiences sets them apart from standard school offerings, making them an appealing option for those seeking rapid improvement.

Choosing the Right Programme or Provider

  1. Curriculum focus and teaching methodology
  2. Intensity and duration of the programme
  3. Student-to-teacher ratio for personalized attention
  4. Opportunities for practical language use and cultural immersion
  5. Feedback and assessment strategies employed

Fees and Course Costs

Observed fees for current intakes start from £1,322, with total cost shaped by duration, accommodation and subject intensity.

When you’re ready, you can browse providers or compare courses that match your interests.

Top English Summer Schools Compared

Last updated: 13/10/2025

Course Provider Subject Location Duration Fees Short Description Link
Perfeccionamiento de la lengua IMMERSION (Oxbridge in Barcelona) Oxbridge Academic Programs English, Humanities, Literature, Media Barcelona 4 weeks $9,995 Este curso de expresión oral y escrita se dirige a los estudiantes que quieren enriquecer su vocabulario y afianzar el conocimiento de la gramática española, como el empleo del condicional y del subjuntivo, la conjugación de los tiempos verbales, o la elección de los pronombres personales y relativos. Los estudiantes leen la prensa regional y nacional, visionan extractos de películas contemporáneas, discuten sobre temas de actualidad y se inician en el arte del debate. View
A-Level & IB Revision Courses in Oxford Oxford Science Studies Exam Preparation, SAT Prep, University Preparation, Humanities, English Online, Oxford 1-9 days or 1-3 weeks From £1,250 per week OXSS offers tailored academic support for IB, and A Level students. With small group classes, expert tutors, and flexible scheduling, students can focus on key subjects, exam practice, and revision that fits around their holiday plans. View
IELTS Preparation Bucksmore Education English, Exam Preparation, Humanities London 2 or 4 weeks 2595 The IELTS preparation programme is for students planning to take the IELTS examination, fine-tune their English language skills and prepare for IELTS. View
Study Skills ISSFT Exam Preparation, SAT Prep, Humanities, English Oxford 2 Weeks 6995 This course helps students prepare for the IB, GCSE, or SAT by developing essential academic techniques such as time management, essay writing, organisation, presentation skills, and exam preparation — providing a strong foundation for future academic success View
English Adventures at Headington Oxford Summer Boarding Courses English, Humanities, Exam Preparation, University Preparation Oxford 2-4 Weeks 4095 English Adventurers is an immersive two-week language programme for students of all levels, from A1 to C1.You’ll build your confidence in English through interactive lessons, practical tasks, and creative projects that bring the language to life. From structured grammar and vocabulary sessions to roleplay, debates, and collaborative writing, every activity is designed to help you communicate more fluently and effectively. View
English Language ISSOS English, Humanities, Exam Preparation St Andrews, Cambridge 3 weeks 7900 English Language at ISSOS is designed for students with English as a second language. This course caters for students of every ability and for three-weeks immerses them in an English speaking environment. View
English Day Camps Summer Boarding Courses English UK Boarding Schools 1-7 Weeks Coming Soon Our English and Activity Day Camps are the perfect mix of lessons and fun activities with local British children. View
Science in Oxford (15-17 years old) St Clare’s, Oxford Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Natural Sciences, English, Humanities, Exam Preparation, University Preparation Oxford 2 Weeks 3575 Develop your scientific skills View
English for Life (18+) St Clare’s, Oxford English Oxford 2 Weeks 1322 English for Life View
English Literature (18-24 years old) Oxford Summer Courses English, Literature, Humanities Oxford 6995 The English Literature summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 18-24 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £6,995. View
English Language and Leadership Reach Cambridge English, Leadership, Humanities, Social Sciences Cambridge 2, 4 or 6 weeks £6,295.00 – £18,495.00 It has never been more important to communicate across cultures and borders. Intercultural and inter-linguistic exchanges expand our understanding of the world and help us to understand our difference. View
Academic English with Study Skills ISSFT English, Humanities, Exam Preparation, University Preparation St Andrews 2 Weeks 5950 Designed for high-school students who want to enhance their English proficiency at C1-C2 level while also mastering essential academic study techniques. Students work on strengthening grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and academic writing, while gaining practical competencies such as time management, organisation, note-taking, research and independent thinking. View
English Literature (The Oxford Tradition) Oxbridge Academic Programs English, Literature, Humanities Oxford 2 or 4 weeks $7,395 for one session; $12,595 for combined session This course examines some of the great works of English literature from Chaucer to Zadie Smith amidst the evocative surroundings of Oxford. Students engage with a wealth of writers in the literary pantheon to improve their skills in close reading, textual criticism, and clear, informed writing. View
English Pathway in Cambridge Summer Boarding Courses English, Humanities, Exam Preparation, University Preparation Cambridge 2 Weeks 4395 The English Pathways programme at Cambridge is designed for students who want to strengthen their communication skills and confidence in English. Whether your aim is academic study, professional growth, or everyday fluency, the course builds the language tools needed to succeed. View
Intensive English Language ISSFT English, Humanities, Exam Preparation, University Preparation St Andrews, Oxford 2 Weeks £5950 – £6995 This immersive course at International Summer School for Teens (ISSFT) offers full English-language immersion for teens at levels A1-B2. It focuses on strengthening grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and all four core skills — speaking, listening, reading and writing — while emphasising real-world communication through structured lessons and interactive activities. View

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